Jimmy Butler could return from his knee injury before the end of the regular season.
Butler spoke to reporters for the first time since suffering a meniscus injury on Feb. 23.
Butler confirmed an initial recovery estimate of four to six weeks.
Butler told reporters hes confident he will heal in time to return for the regular season and playoffs....

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed center Georgios Papagiannis to a contract through the 2018-19 season.
Originally signed to a 10-day contract on March 8, Papagiannis holds career averages of 4.2 points (51.0% FG, 85.7% FT), 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 12.4 minutes in 38 games over two seasons with the Sacramento Kings.
Selected by Phoenix with the 13th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft out of Greece, Papagiannis, 20, was dealt to Sacramento in a draft day trade....

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A look at the 15 teams in the Western Conference generally in order of the standings, starting with the Houston Rockets.
With host Nate Duncan (@NateDuncanNBA). And if you like this pod, please donate to support Nate and Danny at Patreon.com/DuncanLeroux. Merchandise available at NateDuncanNBA.com....

The Orlando Magic have signed guard Rodney Purvis to a second 10-day contract.
Purvis has played in five games with Orlando, averaging 3.8 ppg. in 11.5 minpg. He appeared and started in 37 games this season for the Lakeland Magic, Orlandos NBA G League affiliate, averaging 20.5 ppg., 4.0 rpg., 3.5 apg. and 1.35 stlpg. in 38.5 minpg. Purvis led the team in scoring 17 times and in assists 10 times. He scored in double figures 34 times and had 30+ points four times, including a season-high 40 point...

Stan Van Gundy has been fined $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.
Van Gundy made his comments to the media following the Pistons 100-87 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on March 17 at Moda Center.
Its embarrassing. Its embarrassing for them and embarrassing for the league, Van Gundy said of Saturdays officiating. Ive been here for four years and many more years before that, and Ive never co...